Best cinematic experiences

Nothing beats settling down to watch your favourite movie on the silver screen, with a bucket of popcorn and a comfy cinema chair. But if you’re tired of being cooped up in tiny aeroplane-style seats in your local multiplex, take a look at our guide to the best cinemas in the city.

The Screen on the Green, Upper Street, Angel, N1

The originally-named cinema located opposite Islington Green is a retro landmark. With comfy chairs and a rotating weekly programme of films showing on its single screen, the cinema has achieved cult status among discernable film fanatics. A big crowd pleaser are the talks from guest directors, writers and actors - and Quentin Tarrantino is said to be a fan, say no more!

Phone for more details: 020 7226 3520

Cine Lumiere Institut Francais, Queensberry Place, SW7

If you want to expand your cinematic horizons a little further than Tinseltown, Cine Lumiere is a fantastic place to watch French, European and world cinema - from new releases through to old classics. No parlez Francais? Don’t worry if your vocabulary doesn’t stretch past ‘voulez vous coucher avec moi,’ all the films are shown with English subtitles.

Phone for more details: 020 7073 1350

Phoenix Cinema, High Road, East Finchley, N2

For a walk back in cinematic history, take a trip to East Finchley. The Phoenix was built in 1910 and is believed to be the oldest purpose-built cinema in the UK. The art deco auditorium is impressive enough in itself, but its extensive film programme is the real attraction — including the usual new releases, plus independent, foreign-language and specialist films. There’s also a kids club, regular events and festivals, and film classes for those who want to know the difference between Oliver and Tara Reid!

Phone for more details: 020 8444 6789

The bfi London IMAX Charlie Chaplin Walk, Waterloo, SE1

If size matters to you then The BFI London IMAX is what you’re looking for. It hosts the biggest screen in Britain — an immense 20 metres high (nearly the height of five double-decker buses) and 26 metres wide. It’s designed by award-winning architects and the glass building itself is an attraction which all Londoners should go to at least once in their lives. Best of all if you want to re-live the 1960s or you have a penchant for multicolour glasses, the IMAX not only shows mainstream blockbusters, but 3D films too.

Phone for more details: 0870 787 2525

The Ritzy Brixton Oval, SW2

One of the best, biggest and busiest indie cinemas in London, The Ritzy has five auditoriums with restaurants and bars, on two floors. Screenings of the best of world cinema are backed up by regular Sunday matinees, a choice of two different films for kids on Saturdays, monthly Mother and Baby screenings, as well as one-off events. Will Self loves it (whether this is a draw — or puts you off is up to you) and there’s a free art fair with independent local artists every Saturday.

Phone for more details: 020 7733 6206